Safeguarding Adults Nurse/Practitioner Specialist

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Part time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity for an experienced registered nurse or AHP to join the University's Adult Safeguarding Team. Responsibilities include providing safeguarding support across multiple sites, ensuring the safety and protection of adults at risk, and engaging in partnership working with local authorities. Ideal candidates will have established safeguarding experience and a commitment to maintaining high standards of care.

Benefits

Wellbeing Programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse or AHP qualification required.
• Experience in handling safeguarding adult cases essential.
• Good IT literacy including Microsoft Office proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provide safeguarding advice and support to staff and services.
• Conduct reviews when safeguarding alerts are raised.
• Promote good practice and effective communication across agencies.

Skills

Communication

Partnership Working

Risk Management

Education

Registered Nurse/AHP

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Band 7

Main area Safeguarding Adults Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours Part time - 30 hours per week Job ref 279-7223739-MAY25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Worthing Hospital Town Worthing Salary £46,148 - £52,809 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 01/07/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced registered nurse/AHP professional to join the University Hospital Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Adult Safeguarding Team to provide safeguarding support to all our services over three sites - the St Richard's Hospital Site in Chichester, Worthing Hospital site in Worthing and Southlands Hospital site in Shoreham-by-Sea. The Adult Safeguarding Team is a growing and progressive team that provides support, knowledge and experience to ensure that the Trust meets its responsibilities for the safeguarding and protection of adults at risk.

The successful applicant will be responsible for providing specialist advice to our staff, services and service users on adult safeguarding issues and concerns. The Team is a point of contact for raising concerns when it is believed an adult may be at risk of abuse. The role requires excellent partnership working with the relevant Local Authorities and other Multi Agency Partners to ensure adults at risk are protected and safeguarded.

The post also includes supporting staff in adherence to the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Framework, Prevent, domestic violence (including MARAC), proportionate restraint / restriction, best interest and learning disabilities.

Main duties of the job

To provide advice and support to all staff regarding the safeguarding of adults at risk, including response and prevention. To maintain a high clinical presence to assist with the recognition of adult at risk safeguarding issues and recognising vulnerable adults that may require protection from harm / abuse.

The post holder will be responsible as part of a team for supporting the staff across the organisation to implement good practice around Safeguarding Adults.

To undertake an initial review when a safeguarding alert has been raised and establish if the alert is a safeguarding issue and further action is required to ensure the safety / protection of the adult at risk.

To ensure the safeguarding alert is referred to the relevant Adult Social Care agency (as the lead agency for safeguarding adults at risk) and to work in partnership to maintain the safety and protection of the adult at risk.

Promote good practice and effective communication within and between NHS Trusts and Partner agencies on all matters relating to safeguarding adults.

To identify safeguarding plans to mitigate risk to the person; oversee gathering of relevant information.

To identify scope and terms of reference of any safeguarding enquiry under the Care Act 2014, apply safeguarding eligibility criteria; record and keep records up to date.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a
buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Deputise for the Head of Nursing / Lead Nurse Safeguarding Adults where appropriate.
• To ensure that safeguarding adults risk systems and procedures within the acute trust are regularly monitored, evaluated and developed to ensure that patients are safe.
• To ensure that safeguarding adults at risk systems of referrals are clearly accessible and patients who suffer abuse are promptly referred for advice and support.
• To ensure that staff support and advice is readily available and that a coordinated and consistent cover for safeguarding adults is provided through clear guidance as to whom to contact for out of hours advice.
• To support the Head of Nursing / Lead Nurse Safeguarding Adults in writing of Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews (DARDRs )and Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs) when requested by the Safeguarding Adults Board.
• To work closely with clinical colleagues and Adult Social Care to support the completion of safeguarding enquiries in a timely manner.
• Attending and presenting complex cases to the daily safeguarding meetings(huddles).
• To work closely with the hospital discharge team and the hospital social work team to ensure safeguarding plans and risks are shared with relevant agencies in the community.
• Attend safeguarding adults professional/strategy meetings and case conferences as required. Ensure that any reports required for the meeting are made available in a timely manner for the meetings.
• Maintain the safeguarding adults at risk referral database and ensure that information for reports are provided when requested.
• Work closely with the trust MCA Lead, Dementia team and the LD nurses in ensuring that vulnerable patients who at risk of abuse or neglect are protected.
• Work closely with the MCA Lead to support the appropriate application of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards across the organisation.
• To design and deliver quality training to staff around all areas of Safeguarding Adults to ensure that staff are then equipped with the knowledge they need to recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns.
• To contribute to the collection of information as part of the Trust’s responsibility to make enquiries under Section 42 of the Care Act.
• To work with adults at risk and their families/carers to ensure that they are fully informed of procedures in relation to safeguarding adults enquires, overcoming barriers in giving and receiving highly sensitive, emotive and contentious information in difficult circumstances.
• Contribute towards developing processes whereby the views of adults at risk are obtained to inform the design and delivery of safeguarding plan.
• To contribute to the completion of work as detailed in the Safeguarding Adults action plan.
• To support the promotion of the Safeguarding Adults and 'Think Family' agenda across the organisation.
• To communicate with colleagues and other agencies in a respectful and effective manner whether face to face, via online call, on the telephone or via e mail.
• To adhere to information governance guidance in respect of handling confidential and sensitive information appropriately and securely.
• To use internal communications channels to communicate key messages to staff as and when required.
• To support the safeguarding audit work stream in reviewing current audits. This includes supporting implementation and recommendation highlighted by the audit and/or formulating any training needs for staff/review of existing training offers.
• To contribute to the production of a safeguarding monthly update and exception report.
• Promote, attend and participate in partnership working and represent at strategic subgroups/meetings with multiagency partners such as Safeguarding adults board, Social Care, the Acute Services, Primary Care, Police, Voluntary Sector and other agencies, for example Health Watch.
• Support our stakeholders during internal and external investigation and/or supporting clinical areas leads with safeguarding advice in relation to complaints, complex cases and cases identified as a high level risk.
• To act as a main point of contact for outside agencies in relation to safeguarding adults cases with the Trust.

-- Please see Job Description & Person Specs for full details --

Person specification

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

Training and knowledge and Experience

• Qualified Nurse/AHP
• Evidence of on-going professional development
• Good sound knowledge of Safeguarding Adults issues
• Experience of working with Safeguarding Adults cases
• Experience of working with and basic knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act in practice (including Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards)
• Knowledge of current Safeguarding Adults practice and local policy
• Understanding of the importance of the Safeguarding children’s agenda and how it links with the Adults agenda
• Experience in working in partnership with other agencies
• Ability to write a section 42 report.
• Experience of delivering training formally to groups of staff.
• Good level of IT literacy including skills in using Microsoft office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Ability to work in a flexible manner to meet needs of the organisation
• Extensive knowledge of the Safeguarding Adults agenda
• Knowledge of the Safeguarding sections of the Care Act 2014
• Experience of working in an acute NHS setting
• Some knowledge of the Prevent agenda
• Some knowledge of Mental Health Act.
• Experience of using patient electronic records.
• Ability to challenge others in a professional manner
• Experience of designing and carrying out audits
• Skills in risk management/positive risk taking

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Application numbers

This advert has been capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, it will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in this post to prevent you from missing out on applying for this opportunity.